It is a fact that securing employment in a fluctuating
economy can be difficult for job seekers with a clean criminal background but
even tougher for ex-offenders seeking a second chance to reenter work society.
There is no shortage of list circulating the internet and probation offices
highlighting felony friendly employers that claim ex-offenders can secure
employment with companies open to hiring people with blemished backgrounds, in
most cases these list are a dead-end and discouraging. The looming pressure to
obtain employment for ex-offenders is haunting especially when the alternative
is returning to prison, one and eight people return to a life of crime, drugs
or prison within 30 to 45 days after release.

Michigan employers can receive tax incentives and business
protection when they employ ex-offenders, former substance abusers, and other
individuals who have questionable backgrounds as high-risk and potentially
untrustworthy workers. The United States Department of Labor rewards employers
with a $2,400 work opportunity tax credit for hiring ex-felons 1 year after release
from prison or conviction.

Michigan employers apprehensive about hiring at risk employees
can receive up to $25,000 for losses that are incurred as a result of hiring a
high-risk employee when they participate in the Fidelity Bonding Program an
incentive to encourage employers to hire employees who might otherwise be
denied employment. Michigan employers receive protection against dishonest acts
of theft, larceny, forgery and embezzlement committed by a bonded employees.
The Fidelity Bonding Program is free of charge to employers for the first six
months of employment.

Ex-offenders seeking
viable income should consider employment in the top five career fields:

Skilled Trades Jobs. Despite
the high unemployment rate, skilled workers are hard to come by and therefore
always in high demand. Many companies are in need of tradespeople who can
build, repair, or maintain equipment a trained skilled tradesperson is always
welcome in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, home improvement and
many other industries.

Engineering and
Technology Jobs. As more public money is spent of developing national security
and a more adequate infrastructure of roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, water
supply and sewage systems opportunities for engineering technicians is growing.
Ex-offenders that have interest in math, science and technology should pursue
careers in drafting, electrical installation, laser technology and aerospace
technology – training is available at Oakland Community College and MIAT.edu

Production Jobs.
During the employment crisis many companies offered production and machine
workers a buyout or early retirement, now the economy is improving the need for
production workers is serious. Ex-offenders can look forward to earning $ 10.00
to $18.00 hourly as a machinist, tool and die maker, welder, brazing worker and
machine operator.

Transportation Jobs:
If you are re-entering the job market with little work experience, few
marketable skills and red flags in your background, consider getting started in
the transportation industry. Individuals with a clean driving record and
ability to pass MDOT drug testing requirements will find success as a truck
driver, motor coach driver, rail car porter, and courier. Employment of bus
drivers is expected to increase through the year 2019, primary to meet the
growing transportation needs in downtown Detroit.

Sales and Media Jobs. The
launch of small businesses, home-based businesses and the expansion of existing
companies offer people re-entering the workforce a variety of sales and media
positions. Even in tough times, companies need to develop new business, and maintain
client relationships. The most recession-proof occupations are advertising
sales, retail sales, corporate sales, radio operations, graphic design, video
game design and insurance sales. Ex-offenders with knowledge of social media
sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will find numerous job
opportunities in blogging, affiliate marketing, seo/smo marketing and internet
sales support many small businesses and large corporations are following the
social media trend and seek people with knowledge to help build their online
presence.